2 local productions of The Nutcracker this weekend

Based on choreography by George Balanchine, the Chester County Balletís show is produced each year by the companyís artistic director/choreographer Christine Harrison and choreographer Deborah Harrison. It features a large number of Harrison Dance Studios students ranging in age from 3-52.

A popular Chester County holiday tradition is family attendance at the Chester County Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” an event that has been drawing packed houses for years. This year’s performances, which will be staged at West Chester Henderson High School, are scheduled for December 15 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. and December 16 at 2 p.m.

The ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King” and set to a score by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky. With its lively dances, colorful costumes and elaborate sets, “The Nutcracker” is a show that appeals to audiences of all ages. The original version of the timeless classic was first presented in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1892.

Based on choreography by George Balanchine, the Chester County Ballet’s show is produced each year by the company’s artistic director/choreographer Christine Harrison and choreographer Deborah Harrison. It features a large number of Harrison Dance Studios students ranging in age from 3-52.

The Chester Valley Dance Academy will present its version of “The Nutcracker” at Immaculata University in Frazer on December 15 with performances slated for 1 and 5 p.m.

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Drosselmeier will be performed by Val Gontcharov while the role of Clara will be played by Emily Zach in the matinee show and Emma Devenney at the 5 p.m. performance. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children. For more information on The Chester Valley Dance Academy’s production of “The Nutcracker,” call 610-594-2771 or visit www.chestervalleydance.com